Gambling Industry Targets Fantasy Premier League Players: BBC ...

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The gambling industry has been found to be targeting advertisements at players of Fantasy Premier League (FPL), an online football game that is open to children, according to a report by Bbc.com. Betting firms are increasingly sponsoring websites associated with the popular game, leading to gambling ads and promotions being found on some of the biggest FPL-related podcasts and social media feeds. The industry’s actions have been described as an attempt to “infiltrate” sites used by children by Carolyn Harris MP, who chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group for Gambling Related Harm.

FPL: A Popular Online Football Game

Fantasy Premier League is an online football game where players form a team of real-world footballers and earn points based on their performances. They compete in global leader boards and can also play against friends and family in private leagues. The game is open to anyone over the age of 13, with parental permission required for those under 13. The Premier League runs the game but there is a large community of independent content creators who share tips and tools online to help players.

Gambling Ads and FPL

The Advertising Standards Authority‘s guidelines state that gambling ads should not strongly appeal to those under 18 and should not be associated with youth culture. However, last year, the ASA ruled that a Ladbrokes ad breached its code as it featured Premier League footballers who are well known to children. The recent BBC investigation found that gambling ads have been appearing on FPL-related platforms, including podcasts and social media feeds. Websites such as Plucky and Draft Kings also offer monetized fantasy games where players can gamble on a daily basis.

The Impact and Controversy

Research suggests that playing free fantasy sports, like FPL, increases the likelihood of individuals gambling. Moreover, a survey conducted in Ireland found that 25% of Fantasy Football participants met the criteria for internet addiction. While some individuals use FPL as a coping mechanism to manage gambling addiction, the industry’s targeting of FPL players has raised concerns. The relationship between fantasy sports and gambling remains complex and controversial.

Action Taken

Fantasy Football Fix, a major independent FPL website, has implemented a no-gambling-ads policy, although it has had deals with betting companies in the past. It explained that one betting company offered users free access to premium content on Fantasy Football Fix if they opened a betting account and deposited £5. The Premier League is now assessing Plucky’s compliance with terms and conditions, considering its promotion on social media by FPL influencers. Scout Gaming Group, which runs FanTeam, states that it operates under UK regulations and does not offer its products to minors or individuals who have blocked themselves through Gamstop.

The gambling industry has been targeting players of Fantasy Premier League (FPL), an online football game open to children, with advertisements and promotions. Some of the biggest FPL-related podcasts and social media feeds have included gambling ads. Research suggests that playing free fantasy sports, like FPL, increases the likelihood of individuals gambling. There are concerns about the impact on children and vulnerable individuals who may be exposed to gambling ads through FPL.

Credit: bbc.com

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